Spring Cleaning Tips for Mental Health Wellness cont'd

If you want to increase the possibility of getting further relief from the blues and reduce stress, engage in some physical activity, like a daily stroll. Spending 20 minutes daily strolling around your neighborhood can reenergize your soul, boost cognitive function, and strengthen your immune system. Jennifer Walsh, the author of Walk Your Way Calm: A Guided Journal for Uncluttering Your Mind with Every Step, explains that regular exercise triggers the release of feelgood endorphins, which research has shown can help alleviate depression and anxiety. Walking also helps you get unstuck from your thoughts. Taking care of your physical health benefits your mental health.

Minimize Your Exposure to Negative Influences: Reduce exposure to devices and electronics and constant negative news, social media, or people who bring you down. Surround yourself with positivity and uplifting content instead. Sometimes, we stand in our way and are our worst enemies. Our attitude, motivation, and potential may be due to a lack of confidence. Swap out negative self-talk and selfcriticizing with positive affirmations or phrases like “I’m doing my best.” -find your inspiring mantra and try to remind yourself that life is about progress, not perfection.

Embrace Imperfection: Accept that you're not perfect and that it's okay to make mistakes. Let go of unrealistic expectations and be kind to yourself as you navigate life's ups and downs. Instead of focusing on issues or situations that make you angry that you cannot change or solve, look to the moments of progress and joy instead. Let go of resentment, anger, or grudges weighing you down. Practice forgiveness towards yourself and others to free yourself from negative emotions.

Know your limits; Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries around your time and energy to protect your mental well-being. Learn to say no to commitments or activities that drain you or cause unnecessarystress.

Find a Creative Outlet or Pick up a New Hobby: Creative activities stimulate different brain parts and allow for self-expression, problem-solving, and exploration of new ideas. They can also serve as a form of relaxation and stress relief, helping to soothe the mind and promote mental wellbeing. Moreover, pursuing a hobby or creative outlet can introduce you to new experiences, skills, and communities. It offers an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and discover hidden talents or passions. Whether you engage in a solo activity or join a group or class,carvingouttimeforcreativepursuitscancontributetofeelingmorebalancedandfulfilled.